In the ancient Hokkaido and Tohoku regions, there was an independent society that utilized the blessings of the nature effectively and had contacts with the continent. They even had economic power to supply resources to the aristocrats in Kyoto and in the medieval age, a splendid culture flourished such as well-known Chushonji-temple in Hiraizumi.

The exhibition shows the unknown ancient history of those regions.

Yamakoshi Revival

June 21 - August 3, 2008

Yamakoshi region was severely damaged by the earthquake in 2006. Till then, the landscape represented by step ricefields which had repetion as one of the typical Japan was preserved and characteristic folk cultures such as bull fighting, nishikigoi, works in highlands and cultivation were in activity. Yamakoshi now tries to get them back, and make a restart. From "Let's return to Yamakoshi" to "We welcome you at Yamakoshi". Here you will see the cultures and life in Yamakoshi and the ways each damaged regions are trying to recover.

Ainu Collections

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Anthrolopology and Archaeology Hillar Colletions

(August 10 - September 28, 2008)

100 years ago, an American anthropologist Hillar collected Ainu objects in Hokkaido. The collection is now stored in the University of Pennsylvania. Traditional life of Ainu is well represented by their clothes, tools and photographs taken then.

Stamps during ages

(Oct. 11 - November 24, 2008)

Stamp seals are used so much in modern Japanese society. The exhibition tells how the stamps came into use and diffused in Japan.

Guide to the Tenchijin

(Dec. 20 - Jan. 25, 2009)

My Collection World V

(Feb. 7 - March 15, 2009)

The Land of Flaming Pots

messages of 5,000 years ago

(Apr. 25 - June 14, 2009)

5000 years ago, in the area that coincides with modern Niigata, there were people who made mysterious pots. This highly artistic pottery is popular as Flame-style pottery and became symbol of Jomon culture.The museum has been studying on these pots, on the subjects; how they were used, when they were made, how far they reached and how they were made.You will see what has been clarified as well as what are not yet studied. Typical Yayoi pottery from Osaka are also exhibited for comparison.